Whether you’re dealing with the flu, a nagging physical pain, or trying to stave off an infection, no one enjoys being sick.

But when you are sick, one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your health is to visit a walk-in urgent care clinic. According to the Urgent Care Association, the average urgent care sees roughly three patients per hour and 50 visits per day. It’s not hard to see why: urgent care clinics are fast, hassle-free, and convenient.

No matter what kind of issue you’re dealing with, a walk-in urgent care clinic is a great option if you can’t get in to see your primary doctor. As such, it helps to know what to expect before you visit one:

Finding The Right Center

When you’re sick, the last thing you want to do is wait. Before you visit a walk-in urgent care, it’s important to know where you’re going. You can do an online search for urgent cares in your area. You can also search to find urgent cares that have medical specializations such as women’s health or pediatric health.

Check In Early

As walk-in urgent cares see a lot of patients, it’s a good idea to book a time for an appointment online. The wait time at the average urgent care is only about 15 minutes or so, but by checking in ahead of time, you’ll be able to shorten your wait time. It’s also a good idea to call ahead and check on wait times at facilities in your area so you know what to expect when you get there.

Picking The Right Time

One of the best things about your average walk-in urgent care is that it’s open until 7 p.m. or later. But, as with any medical facility, there can be times when traffic is heavier. That includes nights or on major holidays. Wait times can always vary, but if you’re able to wait to get in during an off time, you might be able to get right in to see the doctor.

Don’t Forget The Essentials

There’s no doubt that urgent cares can offer great, convenient medical care. If you’re visiting a walk-in urgent care facility, however, you need to bring all of your important medical documentation with you. Urgent care facilities don’t know your medical history and if you’re dealing with an ongoing issue, you need to bring your ID, a list of prescriptions, and any pertinent information on your medical history.

Don’t Visit For Emergencies

While urgent cares can be very helpful in treating a variety of ailments, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for the emergency room if you’re dealing with chronic pain, burns or lacerations to name a few things. But for minor or moderate issues, including colds, flu shots, cuts, strains, and sprains, urgent cares are a good way to go.

Believe it or not, the list of treatments the average urgent care offers is growing by the day. So, if you’re dealing with minor or moderate medical issues, visit the staff of Care Station Medical Group.